“As great as LeBron is…” Charles Barkley gets real about doing Michael Jordan vs LeBron James debates

NBA legend Charles Barkley shared a different perspective on the GOAT debate involving LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

“As great as LeBron is…” Charles Barkley gets real about doing Michael Jordan vs LeBron James debates

Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and LeBron James

GOAT debates are always controversial, especially when it is something regarding NBA legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. These stars have proven their worth in their particular eras in the league and people often compare them with each other. Regarding this, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley chimed in with his personal take.

Barkley has criticized NBA media figures for bringing up the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James GOAT controversy over and over. In a conversation with Ernie Johnson on the ‘The Steam Room’ podcast, Barkley referred to the technique as ‘lazy journalism’ and criticized the media for dividing people and fostering unfavorable opinions about two of the best players in history.

I don’t get into the debate between Michael [Jordan] and LeBron [James] because I think it’s weak journalism when guys on TV and radio try to get fools to call in the order. They’re both great.

Charles Barkley said on The Steam Room Podcast

Barkley seems to be making a point here. However, given that he has participated in this argument on multiple occasions, it is difficult to understand his point there. He most recently signed his bottom line in the GOAT debate in support of Michael Jordan. He has voiced his support for Jordan several times in the mainstream media.

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On the other hand, Barkley does, however, raise an important point regarding how the NBA media always promotes the GOAT controversy to get attention. Asking people to select between the two best basketball players of all time is a simple method for many in the mainstream media to get audience participation and comments.

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Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan are NOT on talking terms with each other

Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley were once great pals. Off the court, they were frequently spotted hanging out together. However, Barkley’s remarks criticizing Jordan and his management style of the Charlotte Hornets caused their friendship to fall apart, and it hasn’t been the same since. In light of this, Barkley offered his perspective.

And what I said, I think that he don’t have enough people around him that are gonna tell him, ‘No,’ And he got really offended, and we haven’t spoken. I’m gonna do my job, Because I have zero credibility if I criticize other people in the same boat and not criticize my best friend.

Charles Barkley told 60 Minutes correspondent Jon Wertheim
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Despite this, Jordan has frequently been referred as the greatest player of all time by Barkley. The two had spent a lot of time together and still hold each other in high regard. Despite their fallout, both stars have never condemned each other’s basketball abilities.